Canon said it is spearheading an awareness promotion to what it called an industrywide problem of counterfeit accessory products, “designed to take advantage of the superior value of the real product.”

“These fake accessories are produced in a manner that is increasingly more difficult for average consumers to identify,” Canon said in a statement. “Purchase of these products can lead to potentially dangerous results. Unlike genuine Canon products, counterfeit accessories may not meet government and industry safety standards and may overheat, smoke, melt, ignite and may cause bodily injury and property damage.”

Canon has launched a digital campaign — using the tagline, “Play it safe. Power your Canon with Canon Power.” — through which it advises consumers to avoid counterfeits by purchasing products through established retail channels.

The Canon USA website will also offer anti-counterfeiting education on Canon batteries and chargers most frequently targeted by counterfeiters and will offer “helpful tips to spot them.”

“Canon takes safety seriously and, as good corporate citizens, we want to inform and educate so that consumers are aware of the risks counterfeit products pose,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive VP/general manager, imaging technologies and communications group, Canon USA.

“We will be rolling out an initiative over the next few months, encouraging consumers to help play it safe with genuine Canon power when making an investment in a camera or camcorder and its accessories, so that they may continue to enjoy the quality experience they expect from us,” he said.